Accompanied by Chief Master Sgt. Robert Bedell, 30th SW command chief, the duo used the opportunity to communicate directly with Team V Airmen and praise them for their numerous accolades earned in 2016.

“2016 was a spectacular year and you really need to understand how impressive all the things you were able to do are,” said Moss. “That is reflected in the 50 higher headquarters level awards that the wing won. These awards are representative of what the entire wing accomplished. I hope you realize the quality of the people sitting to the left and right of you, for a wing this size to walk away with 50 higher headquarters level awards is absolutely outstanding.”

Of the many topics discussed, one was reminding Airmen of Vandenberg’s legacy of breaking barriers within the Air Force and the importance of celebrating the base’s aptitude for innovation.

“From our earliest time as an Air Force we were breaking barriers, whether that be physical barriers, logistics barriers, or racial and gender barriers,” said Moss. “Within just ten years of the start of the Air Force, Vandenberg began to play a large role in breaking barriers, starting with the first Intercontinental Ballistic Missile standing alert, here. We will be celebrating these kinds of innovations throughout 2017. It is something to be proud of and something you all play a part in day-to-day.”

Moss also discussed his effort to ensure complete alignment of the mission of the 30th SW with the Chief of Staff, Gen. David Goldfein’s three focus areas.

“In order for us to be ready, the Chief of Staff says we have to do three things; multi-domain command and control, develop joint leaders, and reinvigorate the squadron,” said Moss. “When you look at what the nature of conflict will be like in the future, it’s going to have five central elements. Conflicts are going to be fast, multi-component, coalition, multi-domain, and trans regional. We don’t see any future types of conflict that don’t have air power as a primary player, which means we have got to be ready in light of those five components. So now that we understand what the future holds, are we going to get ourselves ready? Are we going to innovate? Are we going to break through this next round of barriers to make sure that our Air Force is ready to answer the call?”

Bedell echoed the sentiments of Moss and emphasized the importance of the wingman concept.

“Remember that wingman concept that we need to be a part of,” said Bedell. “When we think about how we swore an oath to defend the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, we also signed up to ensure that we create a positive atmosphere and show respect and dignity to each and every person. When we stop and think about it, we need ask ourselves how we are welcoming our new Airmen. How are we setting that example? You know what’s right from wrong, and as wingmen, we need to step up and make sure that we are able to hold each other accountable. We need to realize that we’re on duty 24/7, which also includes social media. What are you sending and sharing, and does it align with who you are as an Airman in this Air Force? It is a privilege and an honor to be serving our Air Force, let’s not put it aside when we get home.”

Moss concluded the address to his troops by reinforcing one of his utmost priorities – developing and supporting the Air Force’s most valuable resource, the Airmen.

“Our need to develop and support our Airmen is paramount,” said Moss. “It does no good to go out and buy a new system if we don’t develop our Airmen properly to be able to operate it, sustain it, and protect it. Every day you should find time to sit down with your subordinate to help them do their job better, to help them overcome a challenge they’re facing, and to help educate them about what it is to be an Airman. If we all do that, we will compliment these formal programs with the informal development that is required to help us posture ourselves for the future and execute our mission.”